“While everybody is thinking that the Brewers are gonna be in it, that the Rays are gonna be in it, that the Atlanta Braves are gonna be in it, they’re all almost resigned to the idea that the Los Angeles Dodgers are going to get Tarik Skubal,” Passan said on ESPN’s First Take.

The pitcher appears set to leave Comerica Park in the near future. What remains uncertain is whether he will ultimately become a new teammate of Shohei Ohtani for the final stretch of the season.

How would Skubal fit in LA?

Tarik Skubal’s profile fits Dave Roberts’ managerial approach smoothly. With a strong 2026 campaign underway for Detroit—posting a 2.70 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 110 strikeouts over 90 innings—Skubal offers the ideal mix of dominant velocity and sharp command.

That ability to rack up whiffs while staying efficient is right down Roberts’ alley, giving him a reliable ace who can maneuver through deep lineups and lighten the load on the bullpen.

Ohtani could be the key to adding Skubal

Shohei Ohtani’s physical issues could be a factor when it comes to pitching. According to insider Jon Morosi on X, those concerns could accelerate the Dodgers’ interest in acquiring Skubal.

“The Dodgers’ interest in Tarik Skubal has increased due to questions surrounding Shohei Ohtani’s availability to pitch, as I reported on @MLBNetwork earlier,” Morosi wrote. “Yet it is unlikely the Tigers could obtain OF prospect Josue De Paula as the headliner in a multi-player package.”

Around 35,000 fans are expected to attend this exciting event, which will be missing several notable stars. Global icon Lionel Messi will not play, as he is being rested following his participation in the 2026 World Cup.

Charlotte will play host to this highly anticipated event, with the renowned Bank of America Stadium serving as the venue. Fans can look forward to an action-packed showcase featuring some of the finest talent and skill from both MLS and Liga MX.

Where is Antonio Mohamed coaching now?

Antonio Mohamed currently serves as the head coach of Deportivo Toluca FC in Liga MX. Throughout his managerial career, Mohamed has established himself as one of the most decorated managers in Mexican soccer, winning multiple Liga MX titles across different teams—including Club Tijuana (Apertura 2012), Club America (Apertura 2014), Monterrey (Apertura 2019), and Toluca.

Beyond his domestic success in Mexico, which also includes two Copa MX trophies and a CONCACAF Champions Cup victory with Toluca, Mohamed guided Argentina’s Independiente to the Copa Sudamericana title in 2010 and lifted both the Supercopa do Brasil and Campeonato Mineiro during his stint with Atletico Mineiro in 2022.

Dean Smith’s international journey

Dean Smith currently serves as the head coach of Charlotte FC in MLS. His signature managerial achievement came with Aston Villa, where he took charge in 2018 and successfully guided his boyhood club back to the Premier League via the EFL Championship play-offs in 2019, followed by taking them to the 2020 EFL Cup Final.

Over his extended coaching career across English soccer—which includes successful spells at Walsall, Brentford, Norwich City, and Leicester City—Smith earned a reputation for building attractive, attack-minded sides and developing high-profile talent, notably managing Jack Grealish during Villa’s resurgence.

Giants insider Dan Duggan of The Athletic mentioned the veteran running back as a potential addition for the G-Men if he is able to regain his physical form in the short term.

“This is a sneaky position to watch for an addition before the opener. Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy are fine, but we know the Giants were open to upgrading to a premier back (Jeremiyah Love). There aren’t any of those available now, but I could see a vet signing (Najee Harris once healthy?) or a trade,” Duggan wrote on X.

In his latest stint with the Los Angeles Chargers, Harris missed almost the entire season with the Bolts due to a severe injury suffered in Week 3. Could he join a contender like the Giants ahead of what’s to come?

Dart’s ground options in NY

Heading into the 2026 NFL season, sophomore quarterback Jaxson Dart will feature a potent backfield tandem to anchor the team’s ground attack. Leading the group as RB1 is Cam Skattebo, returning fully healthy to bring a physical, hard-nosed running style that fits seamlessly into Greg Roman’s new power-run scheme.

Complementing Skattebo as the primary secondary weapon is Tyrone Tracy Jr., whose versatility and agility provide a dynamic change of pace to keep opposing defenses off balance and alleviate pressure on Dart throughout the campaign.

• Cam Skattebo
• Tyron Tracy Jr.
• Devin Singletary
• Eric Gray
• Dante Miller
• Damon Bankston

Can Harris regain his form?

During the Chargers’ Week 3 win over the Denver Broncos in 2025, Najee Harris suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon on a non-contact play during the second quarter. After planting his leg in the backfield, Harris collapsed to the turf and was carted off to the locker room, abruptly ending his first year in Los Angeles after signing a one-year deal with the franchise.

Prior to his injury, Harris was one of the most durable running backs in the NFL, never missing a game during his four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Now in second place among the highest-paid players by annual salary is Leo Carlsson of the Anaheim Ducks, with an $18 million AAV. The top three is completed by Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild, who earns a $17 million AAV.

By signing this contract, Celebrini secured a total deal worth $94 million, ranking 8th in terms of total contract value. The undisputed leader in this ranking is Kaprizov, with a total value of $136 million.

Connor Bedard also has a significant contract

After proving himself as a elite talent in his first three seasons and winning the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year, Connor Bedard signed a major five-year contract extension with the Chicago Blackhawks in July 2026 worth $75 million. Running through the 2030–31 season, the deal carries an average annual cap hit of $15 million, firmly cementing the 21-year-old superstar as the cornerstone and long-term centerpiece of the franchise.

McDavid secured a long-term extension

Connor McDavid signed a two-year contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers in July 2025 worth $25 million. Running through the 2027–28 season with an average annual value of $12.5 million, the landmark deal secures the three-time Hart Trophy winner as the heart and soul of the Oilers franchise for the prime of his career.

Macklin Celebrini ready to push the Sharks forward

Following his contract extension, Macklin Celebrini is fully set on etching his name into San Jose Sharks history by guiding the franchise to its first-ever Stanley Cup. After suffering a heartwrenching defeat to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2016 Finals, the franchise has been hungering for another shot at hockey’s ultimate prize.

Now, anchored long-term as the undisputed center of the Sharks’ rebuild, the young phenom embraces the responsibility of driving a new era for San Jose and bringing the Cup to the Bay Area at last.

After returning to regular league action, Messi did not play against CF Montreal or the Chicago Fire, with Inter Miami winning both matches. His teammate, Rodrigo De Paul, will also miss the All-Star Game.

MLS released a statement regarding the decision to grant the players additional rest: “Prior to the start of the 2026 season, Major League Soccer and the MLS Players Association agreed that upon a player’s exit from the World Cup competition, clubs would have individual conversations with each player to determine the appropriate rest and return to training and competition timeline.”

The statement also clarified the status of the two Argentine players for the event. “Consistent with that agreement, Rodrigo De Paul and Lionel Messi will be excused from participating in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game.”

All-Star Game replacements

Messi and De Paul will not be the only notable absentees for the match, as Mbekezeli Mbokazi, for instance, has also been granted permission to miss the event. Hugo Cuypers was also selected but is ultimately not playing after leaving Chicago for Monterrey.

The four players called up as replacements are Inter Miami’s Yannick Bright, Vancouver Whitecaps’ Andres Cubas, Houston Dynamo’s Guilherme Biro, and Chicago Fire’s Philip Zinckernagel.

Several stars set to shine in the All-Star Game

The highly anticipated match between the MLS and Liga MX All-Stars will feature several prominent figures from the world of soccer, with many of the league’s current stars taking the field. Among them, players of the caliber of Son Heung-Min, Thomas Müller, and Tim Ream are just some of the names that will be part of the event.

When and where will the All-Star Game take place?

The 2026 MLS All-Star Game between the MLS All-Stars and the Liga MX All-Stars takes place on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET. The match will be hosted at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

“My time with Brazil is over,” he revealed to the press on Tuesday after being asked about his future with Carlo Ancelotti’s team. “I made history, I was very happy, I gave my blood, my life, and I always fought for the yellow jersey, but now I no longer want to do it.”

Although he had recently received key advice from legends such as Ronaldo, who suggested taking some time to carefully evaluate his next steps, that option was evidently ruled out by the Santos player.

After 16 years with the national team, Neymar‘s time representing his country is over. From now on, the question will be who steps up to take the reins and become the new idol of this team.

Neymar’s glorious career with Brazil

Neymar is the all-time top goalscorer in the history of the Brazil national team, having scored 80 goals in 130 senior appearances since making his debut in 2010. Beyond his goalscoring record, where he famously surpassed Pele’s tally of 77 goals, he is also the country’s all-time leading playmaker with 59 assists.

Throughout his international career, Neymar featured in four FIFA World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026), scoring 9 tournament goals, and led the Selecao to titles at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games (Gold Medal).

The last dance for Ney

Although the final result was not what they had hoped for, Neymar was able to say goodbye in style alongside the rest of his teammates. Ancelotti decided to include him in the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, and despite having limited minutes on the pitch, he still managed to score a goal.

In what would ultimately be a 2-1 defeat against Norway and Brazil’s subsequent elimination, Ney converted a penalty in stoppage time to score his team’s consolation goal. In that way, during what were his final minutes on the pitch representing his national team, the forward made sure his last touch came with the ball in the back of the net.

“Over the weekend, they had a scout in New York who saw Freddy Peralta pitch — along with other potential Mets targets,” Gelb revealed. Additionally, the reporter noted that the Phillies are also closely monitoring Clay Holmes’ rehabilitation process.

Philadelphia sit behind the Atlanta Braves in the NL East, but their pitching inconsistencies have prevented them from achieving even better results. Perhaps, the potential arrival of Freddy Peralta could be a solution to that issue.

Harper reacts to potential additions to the team

Bryce Harper continues to be the heart and soul of this team, recording a .252 batting average, 22 home runs, 63 RBIs, and an .850 OPS. However, he understands that certain reinforcements are needed.

“Organizationally, I haven’t talked to anybody about it,” he said to Matt Gelb, when asked about the trade deadline. “So I don’t know. I mean, I think everybody knows kind of what we need, right? I mean everybody in here knows what we want.

“Everybody in baseball kind of knows what we need. So there’s players out there that are available, and I think we have a good opportunity to go get the guys we need. If that’s the bullpen, if that’s in our lineup, if that’s a starting pitcher. You guys know what our five spot’s looked like all year. I think we’re 14 and something …”

Peralta could be the key piece for the Phillies

Adding Freddy Peralta would give the Phillies a battle-tested right-hander capable of immediately locking down the back of their rotation for a late-season playoff push. Though his raw numbers with the Mets this season—a 5–8 record, 4.05+ ERA, and 104 strikeouts across 20 starts—don’t fully reflect his ceiling, Peralta’s raw swing-and-miss ability remains top-tier.

His knack for racking up strikeouts would provide high-upside depth behind Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, giving Philadelphia the reliable, high-octane starter they desperately need down the stretch.

A few days until the trade deadline

The 2026 MLB trade deadline is set for Monday, August 3, at 6:00 p.m. ET. It will be until then that teams must finalize their transactions to strengthen their rosters for the final stretch of the season and, eventually, the playoffs.

“Draymond Green has agreed to return to the Golden State Warriors on a one-year, $27.7 million deal, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN. The contract is the same Green opted out of to give the Warriors flexibility to pursue LeBron James, but the sides land his return Tuesday,” the insider revealed on X.

Trying to bring LeBron to the Bay meant that some of the Warriors’ core players would have to make a team-friendly deal. Ultimately, James decided to take his talents to Philadelphia, prompting Green to resume negotiations with the Warriors.

Although Green’s new deal is worth significantly less than what Stephen Curry could earn with the Warriors, the franchise has secured one of its longtime leaders. The Bay Area team will now rely on the veteran forward as it looks to compete for another NBA championship.

Green chasing his fifth NBA Championship

By returning to Golden State on a new deal, Draymond Green is locking in his commitment to the Warriors’ dynasty and setting his sights on a fifth NBA championship. Having already anchored Golden State’s defense for their title runs in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022, Green remains the fiery heart and vocal leader of the squad.

Securing one more ring would not only solidify his Hall of Fame credentials, but it would also cement his era alongside Stephen Curry as one of the most decorated core groups in basketball history.

How could Steve Kerr’s team line up next season?

Steve Kerr will remain with the Warriors for two more years, LeBron James has moved to the Eastern Conference, and Golden State managed to retain one of its franchise cornerstones. Now, the biggest question is what the team’s starting lineup will look like next season.

Although it’s still too early to know exactly what Kerr will put on the court, and much will depend on the strategy he chooses, this could be an intriguing option for the Warriors’ starting lineup:

• Stephen Curry – PG
• Brandin Podziemski – SG
• Jimmy Butler – SF
• Draymond Green – PF
• Kristaps Porzingis – C

“Ahead of the MLB trade deadline on Aug. 3, there could be a battle in the Windy City for starting pitching. Multiple sources tell Yahoo Sports that the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox have each shown interest in Angels left-hander Reid Detmers,” Dorsey revealed. “Both Chicago teams are in need of starting pitching and have cast a wide net as they look for reinforcements.”

The White Sox’s current position as leaders of the AL Central could put them in a better spot to acquire the Angels pitcher. However, the number of injuries affecting the Cubs’ roster could also give the pitcher a more prominent role.

Detmers’ numbers so far this season

Reid Detmers has been a fascinating watch this season, putting up a stat line that doesn’t quite tell the whole story. Across 21 starts and 120.0 innings, he sits with a 3–7 record and a 4.05 ERA, numbers that take a backseat to how electric his stuff can actually be. He’s been missing bats at a serious clip, piling up 136 strikeouts while keeping base runners to a minimum with a crisp 1.10 WHIP.

Why do the White Sox need another pitcher?

The White Sox are targeting Reid Detmers to inject some much-needed left-handed balance and swing-and-miss ability into their starting staff. While young right-handers Davis Martin and Sean Burke have shown plenty of promise, relying too heavily on unproven arms down the stretch is a risky move for a team making a late-season push.

Bringing in a battle-tested southpaw like Detmers gives Chicago a dependable mid-rotation starter who can eat innings, rack up strikeouts, and provide crucial rotation depth for the final stretch of the season.

The injuries plaguing the Cubs

The Cubs’ pitching staff continues to be severely tested by injuries down the stretch. Top prospect Cade Horton is out for the season following elbow surgery, while former ace Justin Steele remains stuck in a prolonged rehab process after undergoing Tommy John surgery in spring 2025.

To make matters worse, key contributors Ben Brown (neck strain) and Edward Cabrera (hamstring injury) are both currently sidelined on the 15-day injured list. This relentless wave of health setbacks has stripped Chicago of crucial rotation depth and forced the front office to scramble for answers as the season wears on.

A recent report from ESPN insider Shams Charania revealed that Nick Nurse could use The King at the point guard position, freeing up the small forward spot for another teammate.

Moving LeBron to this position would clearly alter the 76ers’ strategy heading into next season. Tyrese Maxey, a natural point guard, could shift to the shooting guard role, while the small forward position could easily be filled by Jaylen Brown.

The new Philadelphia that could be coming

Placing LeBron at the point would shift Tyrese Maxey to his more natural scoring role off the ball, leveraging his speed and shooting without the burden of constant playmaking.

As one of the greatest facilitators in NBA history, ranking 4th on the all-time assists list with over 12,000 career assists, LeBron possesses the elite vision needed to orchestrate the offense, drawing heavy defensive focus to open up high-value opportunities for Joel Embiid and perimeter shooters while efficiently controlling the pace of the game.

LeBron’s experience as a point guard

The last time LeBron James played full-time as a point guard was during the 2019–20 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, and the results were legendary. Head coach Frank Vogel put the offense entirely in his hands, and LeBron responded by leading the NBA in assists for the first time in his career with 10.2 per game, while adding 25.3 points and 7.8 rebounds.

Under his leadership at the point, the Lakers secured the top seed in the Western Conference and capped off the season by winning the NBA Championship in the Orlando bubble, with LeBron earning Finals MVP honors.

76ers’ potential lineup

Nick Nurse has managed to put together an elite starting five, one that will look to capture the fourth championship in franchise history. Pending official confirmation, this could be the potential starting lineup for the Philadelphia 76ers.

• LeBron James – PG
• Tyrese Maxey – SG
• Jaylen Brown – SF
• Jabari Walker – PF
• Joel Embiid – C

“The Yankees need to address shortstop and could use another difference-making player with Aaron Judge nursing a rib injury. Lindor, who has full no-trade protection at this point, can stay in New York and play for a contender,“ Gonzalez wrote.

The financial factor could also be a determining factor. “And the Mets would be able to shed a big contract while breaking up the Lindor dynamic with Juan Soto, which clearly is not working.”

How could Lindor fit into Aaron Boone’s system?

While replacing two massive bats like Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger is almost impossible for just one player, bringing in Francisco Lindor would keep the Yankees‘ offense dangerous. Currently with the Mets, Lindor has already provided reliable power and run creation this season with 8 home runs, 23 RBIs, and a solid .743 OPS.

More importantly, he continues to make hard contact on nearly 48% of his hits, proving he can deliver clutch power from both sides of the plate. Adding a star switch-hitter with his consistency gives Aaron Boone a proven middle-infield anchor, ensuring the pinstripes won’t lose their offensive edge while waiting for their big sluggers to get healthy.

The injuries affecting Judge and Bellinger

Aaron Judge has been sidelined since early June with a right rib stress fracture. While recent imaging showed progress, he has not yet been cleared to resume baseball activities, leaving his return timeline uncertain as the team continues to re-evaluate his healing process.

Meanwhile, Cody Bellinger was recently placed on the 10-day injured list after suffering a Grade 2 left hamstring strain while rounding first base. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed that Bellinger is expected to miss 4 to 6 weeks, further thinning the Yankees’ outfield depth and offensive power.

What is the trade deadline date?

The 2026 MLB trade deadline is set for Monday, August 3, at 6:00 p.m. ET. Under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, the Commissioner’s Office shifted the deadline slightly past its traditional July 31 date to ensure trades don’t disrupt early-afternoon games.

This cutoff represents the absolute last chance for contenders to make roster moves and acquire players on 40-man rosters for their stretch run and postseason pushes.

Clark burst onto the league’s scene with her elite talent, as well as her trademark fiery competitiveness, often confronting both opponents and referees. At times, however, that intensity has worked against her.

Despite that, the No. 22 made it clear she has no intention of changing the way she plays or who she is. Clark’s message after receiving her seventh technical foul against the Connecticut Sun was unequivocal: “I’m never going to back down.”

Which game could Clark miss if she’s suspended?

After their matchup against the Storm, Stephanie White’s team will continue its West Coast road trip. If Caitlin Clark receives another technical foul and is forced to serve her suspension, she would miss the game against the Portland Fire on Friday, July 31, at the Moda Center.

The Fever need Clark on the court

After the break for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game, the season enters a crucial stretch where no team can afford to let victories slip away. This is the case for the Indiana Fever, who, with 17 games remaining, are still in contention in the Eastern Conference.

So far this season, Clark is averaging 21.0 points per game, 7.9 assists, and 3.8 rebounds. She is also shooting 43.5% from the field and 34.5% from three-point range. It is clear that Stephanie White cannot afford to have her off the court for extended periods, which is why Clark might be playing against Storm despite being listed as probable.

What’s next for the Fever?

These are the upcoming games the Fever will have ahead of them as they look to remain in first place in their conference and reach the playoffs in the best possible shape:

• at Seattle Storm (July 28th)
• at Portland Fire (July 31st)
• at Minnesota Lynx (August 2nd)
• vs Las Vegas Aces (August 6th)
• at Chicago Sky (August 8th)

This team needs an experienced and talented right winger, something the Russian forward could clearly provide. However, is Tarasenko willing to accept a low-cost deal in order to join a contender?

“Vladimir Tarasenko is still unsigned,” the insider Marco D’Amico said during a recent episode of The Starr and D’Amico Show. “You know, a one-year deal in the $1.5 – $2 million range if he so accepts. He was almost a 50-point player last year.”

He also added: “And he’s used to playing with a guy like [Ivan] Demidov, because he played with [Kirill] Kaprizov. So maybe that’s how you appease in the short term, and then as the season continues, if a player like Marchenko, or another winger… you’re able to add from there. But it doesn’t cost you assets.”

Numbers that could help the Canadiens

In his most recent campaign, Vladimir Tarasenko proved he can still deliver solid middle-six scoring, putting up 23 goals and 24 assists for 47 points. Should he land with the Montreal Canadiens, those numbers highlight exactly what he would bring to the table: secondary scoring depth, power-play finishing, and veteran leadership for a young, developing roster.

While he may no longer be a top-line playmaking line-driver, his nose for the net and playoff pedigree make him a plug-and-play target to instantly boost Canadiens’ scoring depth on the wing.

What will happen with Patrik Laine?

Injuries took a toll on Patrik Laine during his last season with the Montreal Canadiens, and he will look for a bounce-back campaign starting next season. The New York Islanders have shown interest in his services, making them a potential destination for the player.

Not only did the Islanders scout him, but his shooting ability also attracted the New Jersey Devils, who showed interest in acquiring the veteran player. As a result, Laine’s options at this stage of his career remain open.

According to reporter Ansar Khan of mlive.com, Yzerman had offered Mantha a one-year contract worth $5 million. The then-Red Wings GM was relieved of his duties days later, causing the potential agreement to fall through.

Mantha, who is coming off a career-high 33 goals and 64 points with the Pittsburgh Penguins, was believed to have been close to returning to Detroit. However, the team that ultimately secured his services was the New Jersey Devils, signing him to a two-year contract with a $4.75 million average annual value.

Larkin is reportedly fully convinced about leaving the Red Wings, which could create a major issue for the team’s offense heading into the upcoming season. Will they be able to strengthen the positions left vacant and build a competitive roster?

Mantha’s time in Detroit

Selected 20th overall in the first round of the 2013 NHL Draft, Anthony Mantha spent six seasons giving Red Wings fans a bit of everything, flashes of high-end goal-scoring mixed with a fair share of inconsistency. In total, he tallied 95 goals and 99 assists for 194 points in 302 games with Detroit.

Seeing enough promise, GM Steve Yzerman signed him to a four-year extension on Nov. 3, 2020 ($5.7 million AAV) and then traded him to Washington on April 12, 2021, pulling off a blockbuster deadline move before that big deal barely had time to kick in.

What will happen with Dylan Larkin?

The situation surrounding Dylan Larkin and his future with the Red Wings has not changed much. The good news for the team at the moment is that Alex DeBrincat reportedly won’t follow in Larkin’s footsteps, meaning Detroit might retain an important player.

The Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and Dallas Stars are the potential destinations for this player, who has already made it clear that he wants a new chapter in his career.

The franchise was awarded by the USL in late 2024 and officially unveiled its name and crest in May 2025. It will play its home matches at the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium in Fair Park, Dallas, sharing the venue with Dallas Trinity FC of the USL Super League.

In February 2026, former French footballer Peter Luccin—who previously played for Atletico de Madrid and coached FC Dallas—was named the first head coach in the club’s history.

“This is a place for those who see things others don’t,” reads the message on Atletico Dallas’ official website. It is an ambitious project aiming to establish itself from the very beginning in the league just below MLS. Now, with Hernandez as its biggest star, the club will look to make an immediate impact.

Chicharito’s long and successful career

Chicharito Hernandez has enjoyed a remarkable career as one of Mexico’s greatest forwards, scoring over 250 total goals for club and country—including a record-setting 52 goals for the Mexican national team. His prime years came in Europe, where he was most lethal during his iconic stint at Manchester United (winning two Premier League titles and scoring 59 goals) and a prolific two-season spell at Bayer Leverkusen (39 goals in 76 matches).

His last competitive experience was his second spell with his boyhood club, Chivas de Guadalajara, which concluded in late 2025.

What to know about the USL Championship

The USL Championship is the sanctioning body’s top professional men’s soccer league in the United States below MLS, operating as a Division II league under U.S. Soccer. The league features teams split into Eastern and Western Conferences, playing a regular-season schedule from spring through autumn before culminating in a single-elimination playoff bracket to crown the champion.

Franchises operate on a fixed membership model without traditional promotion or relegation, while also competing in national cup competitions like the U.S. Open Cup. Historically, the most successful clubs in league history are Louisville City FC (winners in 2017 and 2018) and Orlando City SC (winners in 2011 and 2013), both tied for the record with two championship titles each.

Argentina were leading 2-1 with only a few minutes remaining in the first period of extra time. That was when Lopes Cabral unleashed a powerful right-footed strike from the corner of the box, and despite Emiliano Martinez’s effort, the ball found its way into the top corner.

“The moment I dribbled past my opponent, I saw an opening and thought, ‘Let’s have a go’,” he revealed. “I shoot well with both feet. I saw the space and was eyeing the top corner. I aimed there and struck the ball really well.

“When I looked up and saw it heading for that top corner, I thought, ‘What the hell did I just do?’ I couldn’t believe it. I looked at my team-mates – everyone was screaming, hands on their heads, overjoyed.”

Cape Verde’s great World Cup

Against all odds, this team managed to win the hearts of many fans of the sport. Cape Verde entered the 2026 World Cup as one of the weakest sides, but they not only advanced to the next round, they also put up a fight against one of the giants of world soccer, Argentina.

A goalless draw against Spain and Saudi Arabia, along with a 2-2 draw against Uruguay, were their three group-stage results, which allowed them to advance to the Round of 32. There, in one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament, they fell 3-2 to Argentina, bringing their journey to an heroic end.

The award that could have gone to Messi

Lionel Messi once again enjoyed an outstanding World Cup, finishing as Argentina’s leading scorer with eight goals. One of them came against Algeria’s Luca Zidane in La Albiceleste‘s opening match, when he unleashed a powerful shot that the goalkeeper was unable to keep out.

While many believe the No. 10’s career with the national team could be coming to an end, Lionel Messi is reportedly not expected to announce his international retirement yet, meaning fans could continue enjoying his goals in Argentina’s colors.

What exactly happened with Steele? According to Virginia court records, the tight ends coach was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated in the first days of June. Additionally, it was reported that he refused a blood or breath test and was charged with obstructing or resisting an officer without force, meaning he also faces charges related to that situation.

The Athletic reporter Nicki Jhabvala also reported through X that the Washington Commanders let Ben Steele go due to a violation of team policy. Finally, she added that Dan Quinn himself will announce Steele’s replacement on Tuesday, July 28.

Who could be the next TE coach for the Commanders?

Ben Steele’s dismissal from his position now leaves the question of who will take over during the 2026 NFL season to coach a department that head coach Dan Quinn is putting a lot of effort into developing.

Although the natural replacement will be announced in the coming hours, according to NBC 4 Sports journalist JP Finlay, Wes Welker (Offensive Assistant) coached tight ends during the Commanders’ latest minicamp. Could he ultimately be an option for the position?

Dan Quinn’s top assistants

Dan Quinn has trusted these coaches to accompany him through what will undoubtedly be a highly competitive season, not only in the NFC East but throughout the entire league.

• David Blough – Offensive Coordinator
• Bobby Engram – Wide Receivers Coach
• Anthony Lynn – Running Backs Coach
• Darnell Stapleton – Offensive Line Coach
• D.J. Williams – Quarterbacks Coach
• Daronte Jones – Defensive Coordinator
• Larry Izzo – Special Teams Coordinator

Commanders are already thinking about next season

The 2026 NFL training camp is the toughest stage of preparation for teams around the league, and it is where the foundation for what will come in Week 1 begins to take shape. Dan Quinn is waiting for his veteran players on Tuesday, July 28, when they will join the rookies at Commanders Park in Ashburn, Virginia.

“The market for 23-year-old wing Jonathan Kuminga is not what he hoped it would be. Atlanta did not pick up the team’s $24.3 million option for this season, Kuminga hoped he could find a team willing to pay him around that number in a new, multi-year deal. No such luck,” NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin wrote.

“The offers out there were more like the Cavaliers still offering the rest of their mid-level exception this season (a little less than $8 million) or the Lakers offering two years, $20 million total.”

Kuminga has become a diamond in the rough this offseason, not only because of his age but also because of what he can offer to the teams interested in him. Will he take his talent to the Western Conference, or will he instead move to Cleveland?

Where would Kuminga fit best?

While Jonathan Kuminga has familiarity with Cleveland’s head coach Kenny Atkinson from their time in Golden State, the Los Angeles Lakers would represent a significantly better overall fit for his projected role in the 2026–27 NBA season.

LeBron James’ departure to the Philadelphia 76ers would eventually give Kuminga a bigger role in LA, where Luka Doncic is currently the main star. Conversely, Cleveland’s recent acquisition of Mario Hezonja creates a crowded wing rotation alongside Donovan Mitchell, where Kuminga would likely be relegated to a secondary off-ball role in a slower, guard-centric system.

Kuminga’s numbers with the Hawks

After being traded to the Atlanta Hawks in February 2026, Jonathan Kuminga posted solid production in a limited sample size. Across 16 games with the Hawks, he averaged 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while playing roughly 23 minutes per night.

“Tough, big, physical, fast, and unapologetic,” the new defensive coordinator recently answered to The New York Post when asked what fans can expect from his unit starting in Week 1.

Despite the losses that could have represented a major setback, Kayvon Thibodeaux is now viewed as the new leader of the locker room for the Big Blue. Undoubtedly, the Giants have one of the toughest linebacker groups in the National Conference.

Wilson will have the difficult task of rebuilding a defense that finished 26th in points allowed and 28th in yards allowed. There is plenty of confidence, and the DC himself expects to further maximize the talent he has on his roster.

Dennard Wilson’s approach in these new Giants

Dennard Wilson brings an aggressive, physical scheme centered on heavy press coverage to the New York Giants. Having served as the Tennessee Titans’ Defensive Coordinator in 2025, Wilson’s unit posted a challenging 3–14 record while allowing 28.1 points per game (28th in the NFL), yet his front-seven scheme proved effective at creating pressure.

Under his tutelage, the 2025 Titans ranked in the top 10 in sacks per pass attempt with an 8.2% rate—their highest mark since 2005—and developed star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons into a First-Team All-Pro with a career-high 11.0 sacks and 17 tackles for loss. Wilson will look to translate that high-octane pass rush and tight secondary coverage into a more complete, disciplined unit in New York.

Wilson already values the talent he has on the roster

The fact that John Harbaugh brought Dennard Wilson with him to the Big Apple means he needed someone who could turn his secondary into a strength. The new DC has Deonte Banks as one of his key pieces in that area of the gridiron, and he believes he can have a great season after his preparation.

“I think he had a helluva offseason. Tae has been one of those guys that’s kind of been running to coaching. He’s not running away from it. He’s in a different headspace,” Wilson said. “I think he’s enjoying the scheme. I think the players want to see him have success. We as coaches want him to be the best version of him.

“To me it’s not living up to the first[-round] pick. It’s about him being the best player he can be. He knows that we’re invested him, just like all the other players. He has a new opportunity, and he has to make the best of his opportunity.”

The Giants’ bets

In the 2026 NFL Draft, the New York Giants landed major talent in the top 10 by drafting Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese at No. 5 and Miami offensive lineman Francis “Sisi” Mauigoa at No. 10. Reese is expected to step in as an immediate Day 1 starter, giving the defense a dynamic, high-upside weapon alongside Tremaine Edmunds.

On the other hand, while Mauigoa possesses elite physical traits, he is not penciled in as a guaranteed starter right away; he will need to earn his snaps as the coaching staff looks to transition him inside to guard on the offensive line.

“I just think the focus is in the right place,” Prescott said via ESPN’s Todd Archer. “It’s the Cowboys, right? Quiet, I don’t know if that’s ever the right word, but the focus is in the right place. Everyone has channeled for the same goal: To get better 1% each and every day.

“And I think from the free-agent signings and the guys we brought in, the vets, George obviously showing up excited to play on the tag, we can all focus on winning and what we need to be focused on.“

Prescott knows that the main goal is reaching the Super Bowl. From this point forward, the Cowboys will have to give everything they have starting in Week 1 to achieve it, or once again fall short in the attempt.

A 2025 season worthy of Prescott

Dak Prescott delivered a high-caliber 2025 campaign, spearheading a potent Dallas Cowboys attack with 4,552 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions. Despite putting up Pro Bowl-caliber numbers and driving one of the league’s top-scoring offenses, Prescott’s stellar individual stats weren’t quite enough to carry the team all the way.

The beginning of a new dream

July 28 is the scheduled date for both rookies and veterans to report to the Marriott Residence Inn in Oxnard, California, to begin the toughest stage of preparation. Brian Schottenheimer will be in charge of the team for the second consecutive year, as he looks to turn America’s Team into a true contender in the NFC East.

Dallas’ first challenges

Looking to get off to a strong start next season, these will be the first five games for the Dallas Cowboys in what lies ahead:

• Week 1, at New York Giants
• Week 2, vs Washington Commanders
• Week 3, vs Baltimore Ravens
• Week 4, at Houston Texans
• Week 5, vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

“I actually think this is something Kobe would be extremely… I don’t know if proud’s the right word, but I think he would be like ‘hell yeah.’ Because it’s a challenge, it’s a competitive move,” he said on his Game Over podcast with Max Kellerman.

James explained that his decision to choose the Philadelphia 76ers over the Miami Heat or Cleveland Cavaliers was driven by his desire to win a championship with the franchise, making it clear that his determination to continue competing at the highest level remains as strong as ever. Kobe’s Black Mamba mentality is a perfect reflection of that mindset.

Mutual respect between Kobe and LeBron

The NBA has featured a select group of elite players in recent years, with Kobe Bryant and LeBron James undoubtedly standing among the greatest. Both were able to win championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, and the respect they had for each other throughout their careers was displayed not only on the court but also beyond the game.

Kobe Bryant won five championships throughout his 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, while The King did so only once. LeBron‘s only title with the Lakers came in 2020, during the famous Orlando bubble, when they defeated the Miami Heat in the Finals.

Philadelphia want to win another title

After joining Philadelphia, LeBron James will aim to secure a fourth championship for the historic franchise—which previously captured titles in 1955 (as the Syracuse Nationals), 1967, and 1983—and earn the fifth ring of his own legendary career. Joining forces with established stars like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, the 76ers potential lineup instantly positions the team as a top contender in the East as the veteran superstar seeks to lead the city back to NBA glory.

“It feels like a revamp, a new energy in the building, honestly,” he said via the team’s official website. “It feels good to put the past behind us and really focus on the future. On right now in front of us, that’s attacking training camp, and I can just tell by the vibe of the guys, talking to them in the locker room, we’re ready for that. We’re ready for the next thing. It’s awesome to be here now.”

Despite Kenneth Walker III’s departure to the Kansas City Chiefs, Mike Macdonald was able to retain key players such as JSN, as well as Sam Darnold and Cooper Kupp. It will be time to see, once the ball hits the gridiron, whether this team has everything required to achieve back-to-back titles.

Thinking ahead: The Seahawks’ message

Mike Macdonald is determined to keep his team competitive and focused on the upcoming season. Dwelling too much on past accomplishments does little to help a team achieve its goal of winning again. Cooper Kupp, one of the most experienced players on the roster, understands the importance of continuing to look ahead.

“The league moves on, just like life,” Kupp said. “Things happen, and shoot, the clock keeps ticking, life keeps moving forward. You’ve got to be able to adapt and move, and it’s the same way with football. Football keeps going, keeps growing, keeps changing, and you can’t be complacent.

“If you get stuck celebrating for too long, you’re going to be in trouble. Guys have done a great job of really just moving on. At the end of the day, it’s, what can you learn from last year? How does it apply to this year? Let’s take it and make it come to life.”

Sam Darnold’s offensive weapons

Sam Darnold managed to keep his two primary receiving weapons, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp, while Rashid Shaheed rounds out the receiving corps as another key target.

In the backfield, despite his injury, Zach Charbonnet remains the top option although he is expected to miss at least a portion of the season. Seattle also added two more offensive players in the latest NFL Draft: Emmanuel Henderson Jr. and Jadarian Price.

The first steps toward defending the title

The Seattle Seahawks will be looking to win back-to-back Super Bowl titles, something that is extremely difficult to accomplish in the NFL. To do so, getting off to a strong start in the 2026 season will be crucial.

• Week 1, vs New England Patriots
• Week 2, at Arizona Cardinals
• Week 3, at Washington Commanders
• Week 4, vs Los Angeles Chargers
• Week 5, vs San Francisco 49ers

“Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Memphis Grizzlies are negotiating a buyout and the veteran 3-&-D specialist intends to team back up with LeBron James and sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, league sources tell me,” Haynes revealed on X.

Last season with the Grizzlies, KCP averaged just 8.4 points per game and shot 31.6% from three-point range. An injury caused his performance to decline as the weeks went by. Will he be able to achieve his goal of joining James in the short term?

James and KCP already know what it takes to win

During the 2020 NBA Bubble in Orlando, LeBron James and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope played instrumental roles in leading the Los Angeles Lakers to their 17th NBA championship, defeating the Miami Heat in six games in the Finals. LeBron was the unquestioned focal point of the team, dominating the 2020 Finals to capture Finals MVP honors with monstrous averages of 29.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game on 59.1% shooting from the field.

Meanwhile, KCP served as a crucial 3-and-D starter and the team’s third-highest scorer in the Finals, anchoring the perimeter defense while providing clutch shot-making, averaging 12.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game during the championship series.

Philadelphia is a true contender

LeBron’s return to the Eastern Conference has given Philadelphia serious championship aspirations. The 76ers’ projected lineup, led by James, also features players of Joel Embiid’s caliber and recently acquired star Jaylen Brown.

Will these names be enough to compete with the defending champion New York Knicks? This franchise wants to become NBA champions once again, a title that has eluded them since the 1982-83 season, when the team featured, among others, Julius Erving and Moses Malone.

Unfortunately, the path to becoming a professional player for the former LSU Tigers cornerback did not get off to the best start. A shoulder injury suffered during OTAs raised concerns, but the head coach still feels confident about his outlook moving forward.

“Delane right now is having his final physical. Right now. So he’s right in the process of that and is doing well there,” Reid said while addressing the reporters on Friday. He also praised the attitude and approach the player has shown throughout his preparation.

“We like the way he goes about his business. He’s a focused kid, he seems to be a smart, sharp kid. He’s willing to work. He was banged up a little bit but he’s willing to work. He’s aggressive that way — too aggressive in the way he hurt himself there. You’ve got a good player and he’s got to get in and go and get the reps in the defensive scheme.”

Reid looks to get injured players back on track

Mansoor Delane’s injury situation is not the only one to keep a close eye on in Chiefs Kingdom. The good news for the team is that Andy Reid revealed Patrick Mahomes is fully cleared for training camp after suffering a serious knee injury.

Another player who is not arriving at this stage of preparation in the best physical condition is Omarr Norman-Lott. The defensive tackle, who is dealing with a knee injury, will likely start on the PUP list while waiting for his full recovery.

Delane arrives as the CB1

After trading star cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams, the Kansas City Chiefs made a bold move to secure his replacement by trading first-, third-, and fifth-round picks to move up and select LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane sixth overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Delane steps into massive shoes, as McDuffie was an elite cornerstone of Kansas City’s secondary, winning two Super Bowls (LVII and LVIII) while earning First-team All-Pro (2023) and Second-team All-Pro (2024) honors.

Across 56 regular-season games with the Chiefs, McDuffie racked up 246 total tackles, 34 pass deflections, 8 forced fumbles, 5.5 sacks, and 3 interceptions. Kansas City is now counting on Delane’s instincts and athletic profile to anchor the defensive backfield and fill the void left by one of the league’s top lockdown corners.

During a recent press conference ahead of the start of this stage of the NFL calendar, Mahomes made his stance on the situation clear. The goal, in order to avoid injuries like the one he suffered toward the end of the 2025 season, is to take better care of himself and look for more alternatives in his teammates.

“I plan to be able to to do everything I did before. I’ve been moving around and doing that stuff but, I’m obviously try to take care of myself a little bit better,” he said.

If needed, he now has an elite running back in the offense: “I think I ran little bit too much last season in general, so I’ll try to get better with that. Then if all else fails, I’ll just hand it off to K9 (Kenneth Walker) and let him go to work.”

A major setback for Mahomes

On December 14, 2025, Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending torn ACL in his left knee during a Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The injury occurred in the final minutes of the fourth quarter when his knee buckled awkwardy as he was brought down by defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand while trying to scramble out of the pocket.

Mahomes underwent successful surgery the following day to repair both his ACL and LCL, ending a tough 2025 campaign that also saw the Chiefs miss the postseason for the first time since 2014.

Mahomes wants to protect his knee

Recovering from an injury can have different challenges for an NFL player. Mahomes does not want to leave anything to chance, and besides seeking advice from a player of Tom Brady’s caliber, he also has not ruled out the possibility of continuing to wear his knee brace to avoid setbacks.

“I’m going start off with it just because I’ve worn it before and I feel comfortable with it. So that that’s kind of where we will start, but it’s not like I’ve been told I have to wear it or how long I have to wear it,” he said via NBCSports.com.

“It’s just going to be my comfortability how I feel. But I will start with it on just because I feel like I can still move and be myself with it. I played with it in college and then we’ll just see where we go from there.”

What to expect from Kenneth Walker III

Coming off a dominant 2025 campaign with the Seattle Seahawks where he rushed for 1,027 yards and 5 touchdowns on 221 carries (4.6 YPC) while adding 31 receptions for 282 yards—and capping it all off as the Super Bowl LX MVP—expectations for Kenneth Walker III in Kansas City are sky-high.

After signing a three-year contract with the Chiefs in March 2026, the explosive back is set to step immediately into the RB1 role. With his elite contact balance and big-play ability, Walker III will serve as the undisputed focal point of the rushing attack, leaving clear depth and complementary roles for Emari Demercado and rookie Brashard Smith behind him.

What’s next for the Chiefs?

The 2026 NFL training camps are slowly starting to take shape, and while the Chiefs remained cautious regarding Mahomes’ situation, they are now expecting him to be there on July 28. The location where Andy Reid will watch his players return to action will be Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri.

“He really cares about football,” the HC said in a recent interview with Giants radio broadcasters Bob Papa and Carl Banks. “So, for him to be this young, have that kind of mindset. I don’t know if it surprises me because I think that the guys that have a chance to be great, I feel like the Bradys of the world, the Mannings of the world, you know, they, they were always like that probably from the beginning.

“I don’t think they had to learn that. They kind of had it probably maybe from high school on. And I kind of see that in Jaxson Dart. Now we’ll see what he does with it. You know, we’ll see, you know, we’ll see, like all of us, we’ll see how good we are. We’ll find out.”

It is clear that Dart is still taking his first steps in the league and has a long road ahead of him, but he has the potential to become one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks. Additionally, the way Harbaugh views his quarterback is already creating excitement throughout East Rutherford.

The mindset that impressed Harbaugh

Dart had a solid rookie season statistically, highlighted by an aggressive style of play that often led him into unnecessary collisions with opponents. Harbaugh, while not surprised but certainly impressed, believes that mindset can take him and the team a long way.

“I don’t know about surprised, probably just impressed, probably more than anything. I do think he’s obsessed. I believe that he really, really wants to be good. He’s kind of got the it factor from a leadership standpoint because he’s respected by the guys,” Harbaugh said.

“I mean, they just know how hard he works, and they know how much he cares, and they respect his talent, of course. He’s got a little juice, you know, he’s got some charisma.”

Brady and Manning’s first year in the NFL

In 1998, Peyton Manning was the No. 1 overall pick for the Indianapolis Colts, starting all 16 games and putting up a prolific yet erratic rookie campaign with 3,739 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and a league-high 28 interceptions, setting rookie records at the time for yards, completions, and touchdown passes.

By contrast, Tom Brady’s 2000 debut with the New England Patriots was almost invisible; buried as the fourth-string quarterback after being drafted 199th overall, Brady appeared in just one game during his rookie season, completing 1 of 3 passes for 6 yards.

Dart’s NFL debut season

Taken over as the New York Giants starter in Week 4 after being selected 25th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, Jaxson Dart delivered a promising and fiery rookie campaign. Over 14 games (12 starts), the former Ole Miss signal-caller threw for 2,272 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions, finishing with a solid 57.5 QBR. Known for his aggressive playstyle and mobility, Dart also made a massive impact on the ground by rushing for 487 yards and 9 touchdowns, flashing franchise-QB potential despite the usual rookie growing pains.

J.J. Galbreath joined the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2025 out of South Dakota, and he felt that something hadn’t been quite right during Tomlin’s final stretch with the team. “Last year coming in, I just felt like there was like a tension in the air,” he said during an appearance on The Banner Show.

After completing his first year in the NFL, Galbreath appears to be entering this new chapter with a greater sense of confidence and experience. “It seems more easygoing,” he added.

It appears that Mike McCarthy is already looking to distinguish himself from Mike Tomlin, not only in terms of team culture but also through his tactical approach. Can the veteran head coach lead the Steelers back to the NFL‘s elite?

Mike Tomlin’s legacy

Since taking the reins of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2007, Mike Tomlin has built one of the most impressively consistent resumes in modern NFL history. Most famously, he’s never posted a single losing season in nearly two decades on the sideline.

Along the way, he became the youngest head coach at the time to win a Super Bowl when he led Pittsburgh to victory in Super Bowl XLIII, added seven AFC North division titles, and earned over 170 regular-season wins.

Rodgers’ tight end options

J.J. Galbreath currently sits lower on the Steelers’ tight end depth chart, especially after the team signed former Kansas City Chiefs tight end Robert Tonyan to provide another reliable target for Aaron Rodgers. These are the tight ends the veteran quarterback will have at his disposal this season:

• Darnell Washington
• Pat Freiermuth
• Robert Tonyan
• JJ Galbreath
• Lake McRee
• Jaheim Bell

Steelers kick off preparations for the 2026 season

The Steelers’ 2026 NFL training camp is just around the corner, and unlike many other teams, Pittsburgh’s veterans and rookies will report on the same day to begin preparations in full.

The scheduled date for players to report for the toughest stage of preparation is Tuesday, July 28, with Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, serving as the team’s training camp location.

With the 2026 NFL training camp set to begin soon, several changes are already starting to take shape. According to journalist Mark Kaboly on his show Kaboly + Mack, the Steelers are expected to have less physical contact during the early practices, along with the implementation of a new approach under the team’s new regime.

“I guess change isn’t bad, but he ain’t easing into this change,” Kaboly said. “It’s, ‘This is my way, this is how I do it, I don’t even care.’ I wouldn’t even be shocked if there is nothing that is similar to what was done in the past. They even changed the name of their weekly program on their website. What was it called, The Standard is the Standard? I don’t even think that’s the name of it anymore.

“I think it’s Forging Iron or something like that. You think The Standard is the Standard sign is going to be right there walking into the locker room at Acrisure Stadium? I guarantee that sign’s not there. What I’m saying is, everything has changed.“

What means ‘Standard is the Standard’?

Popularized by Mike Tomlin, the phrase “The standard is the standard” embodies an uncompromising mindset of accountability, discipline, and excellence. It means that the team’s expectations and level of performance remain high regardless of circumstances, whether dealing with injuries, roster changes, or playing back-to-back opponents.

In essence, it serves as a reminder that excuses are unacceptable, and every player, regardless of their role or status, is expected to meet the exact same elite standard set by the franchise.

Key differences between McCarthy and Tomlin

While both are Super Bowl-winning head coaches, Mike Tomlin and Mike McCarthy approach the game from fundamentally different tactical foundations. Tomlin is a defensively rooted leader whose core philosophy rests on a hard-nosed, physical 3-4 defense and disciplined, high-intensity play designed to win the turnover margin and physical battles up front.

In contrast, McCarthy is an offensive-minded play-caller built around West Coast passing principles, heavy usage of spread formations, and short-to-intermediate horizontal passing schemes designed to maximize quarterback rhythm and efficiency.

Where Tomlin emphasizes defense, field position, and relentlessly enforcing high standards across all phases, McCarthy focuses his field tactics on dictating tempos, creating favorable passing matchups, and managing offensive red-zone execution.

“He was a lot of fun to watch,” Burrow said during a Heisman Trophy panel at Fanatics Fest. “I think the NIL era is interesting because teams like Indiana, who maybe couldn’t get the recruits 10 years ago, now can get the types of players where they can go and compete for championships.”

While the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback believes this type of evolution has helped programs with fewer resources emerge as contenders, he also emphasized that Mendoza’s talent was the key factor in ultimately winning the national championship.

“That creates a lot of parity throughout college football, and I think that’s good for the game,” Burrow also added. “There are a lot of downsides to it as well, but it was fun to see a team like Indiana go and make it happen. Obviously, Fernando was the main part of that.”

Mendoza’s great year at Indiana

During a legendary 2025 season with the Indiana Hoosiers, quarterback Fernando Mendoza delivered a historic campaign, throwing for 3,850 passing yards and 38 touchdowns to cap off a brilliant year and claim the prestigious Heisman Trophy. Mendoza led Indiana to a perfect, undefeated record, crowning their flawless season by winning the National Championship in a thrilling 27–21 victory in the final over the Miami Hurricanes.

Burrow’s Heisman experience

In 2019, Joe Burrow delivered one of the most dominant individual seasons in college football history while playing for the LSU Tigers, capping off his incredible performance by winning the Heisman Trophy in a landslide vote. Shortly after leading LSU to an undefeated National Championship victory, Burrow officially made the jump to the NFL when he was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2020 NFL Draft.

From College Football to the NFL

There are countless cases in which a player’s rookie year proves to be a defining moment. The leadership Fernando Mendoza brings with him could be crucial for the Las Vegas Raiders, and Burrow knows that this could help him succeed.

“The quarterback has the ball in their hands a lot,” Burrow said. “It’s a team game, but the quarterback drives that for us. He seems to be a great leader. He seems to be a great player, and I’m excited to see what he does in the NFL as well.”

Rosalia, via her official Instagram account, addressed the controversy in two separate stories. She explained: “I shared it because La Perla was playing and I didn’t even read what it said, my bad. Sorryyyyy,” adding three crying emojis. She also shared a message with a large heart in the background that read: “I only have love for Argentina.”

The Spanish artist is set to perform in Buenos Aires in early August, and after the incident came to light, many of her fans decided to return their tickets. Her messages on social media aimed to ease tensions, while the singer herself clarified that she never intended to hurt anyone’s feelings.

Will this apology be enough to repair her relationship with some fans? For now, Rosalia has attempted to clarify what happened and hopes everything returns to normal, as it was before the World Cup.

The message that sparked controversy

In an era where social media often takes center stage, many public figures use these platforms to express themselves. In this case, Rosalia shared a TikTok that featured the phrase, “How life sounds now that the perlas have been defeated,” followed by several Spanish flags.

The controversy arose because the singer herself has a song featuring that term, which led many Argentine fans to take the incident personally. Based on the lyrics, “La Perla” refers to someone who is confrontational, unreliable, manipulative, or problematic — an interpretation that did not sit well with the Argentine audience.

Rosalia’s support for La Roja

Rosalia has shown her support for Spain not only through her social media platforms but also in person. The renowned artist was spotted at SoFi Stadium during the Round of 32, where La Roja ultimately secured a convincing victory over Austria.

“I can’t be consistent on the field and not have consistency in my personal life,” Sanders said to ESPN’s Nadeska Alexis. “Whatever you do in your personal life is going to bleed into how you feel. If you’re disciplined, you’re going to make the right reads. If you have a lot of distractions, you’re gonna get distracted.

“You’re going to think the cornerback is backpedaling when he’s really sitting. It was just a tough year last year. My expectations, when I look back, dang, at least I made it through there. At least I made some crazy plays out there. I got it in me. All I gotta do now is just show everybody else.”

Todd Monken will lead the Dawg Pound this season, with both Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson emerging as his top candidates for the starting quarterback job. Can No. 12 finally establish himself in the NFL after his rookie season?

How was Shedeur Sanders’ rookie year?

In his rookie season with the Cleveland Browns, Shedeur Sanders experienced a typical up-and-down transition to the NFL. Over eight games, he led the team to a 3–5 record, throwing for 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. While the turnover numbers reflect the classic growing pains of a first-year quarterback adjusting to pro defenses, his performances showed flashes of potential that give Cleveland something to build on moving forward.

Browns await training camp

Improving on last season’s performance and emerging as a contender in the AFC North starts long before Week 1. The Cleveland Browns are eagerly awaiting the start of the 2026 NFL training camp, where new head coach Todd Monken will begin working with his roster during the most demanding phase of the offseason.

The new group of players will report to the CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea, Ohio, on Thursday, July 23. Veterans, meanwhile, will be required to arrive on July 28.

The Browns’ first challenges

With the goal of getting off to a strong start in the 2026 NFL season, these will be the first challenges the Browns will face beginning in Week 1:

• Week 1, at Jacksonville Jaguars
• Week 2, at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Week 3, vs Carolina Panthers
• Week 4, vs Pittsburgh Steelers
• Week 5, at New York Jets

“We’re not going to be rushed. We’re not going to be rushed. It’s his choice to make, and when he makes the choice, he’ll make it,” Paul recently revealed on the Game Over podcast with Max Kellerman.

He also added: “I don’t know when his choice is going to be made, but it could be 48 seconds. It could be 48 minutes. I don’t know. Again, you can’t make somebody know something that they don’t know.”

Beyond the “when,” the “where” is also an important question. There are several possible answers to the latter, with some destinations having a much higher chance than others. What will be the final destination for The King?

Possible landing spots for LeBron James

Speculation surrounding LeBron James‘ next destination in the league continues to grow, especially after Rich Paul was unable to confirm exactly which team he will join next. However, there are several teams emerging as the frontrunners to land his services.

There was plenty of discussion for a while about the possibility of joining Stephen Curry on the Golden State Warriors. Others believe his destination could ultimately come down to the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and, a bit further behind, the Philadelphia 76ers.

According to NBCSports.com, another team that has shown interest in the No. 23 is the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, James himself has yet to provide any indication of where he will end up playing.

Age is just a number

LeBron James was born on December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio. This year, while still competing at the highest level of the sport, he will turn 42 years old. His numbers and statistics continue to grow, further cementing his status as one of the greatest players in NBA history.

“I mean, so I’ve been doing backflips since I was like four years old,” he explained on The Fantasy Footballers from SiriusXM. “So it’s natural to me. I’m gonna address the elephant. I will not hurt myself before the season. . . .”

Skattebo also added: “So what happened was, I don’t know if you guys know WWE or not, those floors are bouncy. So when I took off, I was mid-air, like, ‘Holy cow, I’m not gonna land this, I’m way too high.’ Landed, but it had too much cushion. It wasn’t a stiff, firm ground. So that’s why I kinda like went back, safely landed, got back up, was good to go. So nothing came out from that. I’m perfectly fine. Nothing happened. We’re good.”

The unique personality of Cam Skattebo

Beyond the talent Skattebo displays on the gridiron, he also brings a very outspoken personality. According to the former Arizona State standout himself, it is something he has always carried with him, and even the people of New York can relate to it.

“I totally enjoy that part,” Skattebo said. “I think I less enjoy the ‘brain-dead kind of guy.’ But it is what it is. I mean, the New York people love it, so I’m just gonna keep being me. And if they wanna say I’m brain-dead and I don’t have no brain, then who cares? (Expletive), you know?”

Skattebo takes over the Giants’ backfield

While Cam Skattebo is still recovering from his injury, it is expected that John Harbaugh will have him as the primary rushing option once he is fully healthy. Behind him on the depth chart, the Giants have interesting names competing for the RB1 role.

• Tyrone Tracy Jr.
• Devin Singletary
• Eric Gray
• Dante Miller

Cam Skattebo injury update

In late October 2025, New York Giants fans watched Cam Skattebo’s rookie season come to an abrupt end after seeing him go down on the field in Philadelphia, with a serious injury to his right leg later confirmed.

During a recent appearance at Fanatics Fest, the player himself revealed that he feels “perfectly fine” with his ankle, and he is expected to be available to the coaching staff from day one.

“My reaction was — I haven’t talked to him yet, I’m going to talk to him I’m sure. My reaction was this: Dude, at least stick it. I mean, land the thing if you’re going to do it, you know?” the head coach said with a laugh in an interview with the Bleav in Giants podcast.

“That was my first reaction.” Harbaugh, however, remained confident about his recovery: “But Skat’s going to be ready to go. He’s been working super hard. He has really been training like crazy. And his mind is on camp. He’s healthy, he’s ready to roll, and I can’t wait to see him out there at practice.”

Skattebo is well known for his eccentric personality, which often pushes him to the limit. While many were concerned that this type of stunt could jeopardize his physical condition, Harbaugh chose to downplay the drama.

A look back at Cam Skattebo’s 2025 injury

During Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season on October 26, 2025, New York Giants rookie running back Cam Skattebo suffered a severe dislocated right ankle. The injury occurred during the second quarter of a 38–20 loss against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field when he landed awkwardly following a pass attempt. Skattebo was carted off the field in an air cast and underwent successful surgery in Philadelphia that night.

Skattebo’s numbers before his injury

After arriving from Arizona State, Skattebo generated plenty of buzz among the G-Men as a promising weapon in the running game. Before suffering his serious injury, the running back recorded 5 touchdowns, 101 carries, 410 rushing yards, and averaged 4.1 yards per carry.

What’s next for the Giants?

The 2026 NFL training camps are drawing closer, and excitement is building in the Big Apple. John Harbaugh expects the Giants’ rookies to report on July 23, while the veterans are scheduled to arrive on July 28. Training camp will be held at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center/The Greenbrier.

“The assumption, knowing him as a person, is that he’ll be champing at the bit to get on the field, as he was in the spring. And while that enthusiasm is appreciated, it’s also a reminder to exhibit some caution,” the reporter said via SI.com.

“There’s an expectation among Chiefs people that Mahomes will be fully cleared this week, and also the knowledge that when they tell him he can go, he will really go,” Breer also added. “So the plan is to be smart with it, and make sure everyone is doing what’s going to put him in the best position to be at his best from September through February, not just ready for Week 1.”

Although Mahomes‘ situation appears promising ahead of the start of the upcoming season, Chiefs Kingdom does not want to skip any steps and wants to handle his recovery in the best way possible.

What injury did Patrick Mahomes suffer?

During the 2025 NFL season, Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending injury on December 14, 2025, in a Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Late in the fourth quarter while trying to extend a play, Mahomes planted his left foot to throw the ball away just as Chargers defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand brought him down.

His left leg twisted awkwardly under contact, causing him to tear both his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). He underwent successful repair surgery in Dallas shortly after the game.

The Chiefs’ season debut

The Kansas City Chiefs will make their official debut in the 2026 NFL season with a high-profile Monday Night Football matchup. The game will take place on September 14 at Arrowhead Stadium, where they will face the Denver Broncos.

Chiefs’ backup plans at quarterback behind Mahomes

Leaving nothing to chance, Andy Reid’s Chiefs decided to significantly strengthen their quarterback room depth chart amid uncertainty surrounding Mahomes’ availability. They added Justin Fields during the offseason, selected LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier in the latest draft, and already had the experience of Chris Oladokun on the roster.

According to FIFA’s official website, users have until July 27 to choose the best goal of this edition of the tournament. The list was narrowed down to 12 candidates, among whom is the Argentine No. 10.

On June 16 at Kansas City Stadium, Lionel Messi opened the scoring for Argentina with an exquisite long-range strike. Luca Zidane, Algeria’s goalkeeper, was unable to stop the shot, which gave Argentina a 1-0 lead.

Another Argentine goal also appears among the nominees. The match against Switzerland seemed to be completely closed; however, a shot into the top corner by Julian Alvarez in overtime paved the way for La Albiceleste to seal the victory and secure their place in the semifinals.

The nominees for the Best Goal of the World Cup

From stunning long-range strikes outside the box to individual efforts inside the penalty area, these are the 12 goals nominated by FIFA:

• Kerim Alajbegovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina), vs Qatar (1-0)
• Julian Alvarez (Argentina), vs Switzerland (2-1)
• Jude Bellingham (England), vs France (4-6)
• Sidny Lopes Cabral (Cabo Verde), vs Argentina (2-2)
• Erling Haaland (Norway), vs Brazil (2-0)
• Wilson Isidor (Haiti), vs Morocco (2-1)
• Elijah Just (New Zealand), vs IR Iran (1-0)
• Daizen Maeda (Japan), vs Sweden (1-0)
• Kylian Mbappe (France), vs Senegal (3-1)
• Lionel Messi (Argentina), vs Algeria (1-0)
• Eldor Shomurodov (Uzbekistan), vs DR Congo (1-0)
• Ferran Torres (Spain), vs Argentina (1-0)

Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup goals

Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from the national team once this tournament concluded, meaning he will not be with Portugal at the 2030 World Cup. The extraordinary forward finished his participation with three goals, two in the group stage and one in the knockout stage.

His first two goals came in the match against Uzbekistan. The last one, from the penalty spot, came in the game against Croatia, and it helped his team reach the Round of 16.

“We all want to win, and we have every single piece you can need,” Eluemunor said via TMZ Sports. “We have an elite left tackle [Andrew Thomas]. We have an up-and-coming quarterback who I think can be the best quarterback in the NFL.”

The spotlight on Dart will be much bigger, as following his rookie season, expectations are that his stats will improve significantly based on what he showed during his first year. Not only that, but he now has John Harbaugh as a coach, someone who can take his game to the highest level.

The right tackle also added: “Any head coach in the NFL would want a team with this much young talent and especially the most important position at quarterback Dart. Dart’s a fricking amazing player. I think he’s going to be crazy this year.”

How did Jaxson Dart perform in his rookie season?

During his rookie season, Jaxson Dart stepped up as the starting quarterback for the New York Giants in Week 4 following Russell Wilson’s early struggles. Taking full advantage of the opportunity, the young signal-caller flashed dynamic potential, completing his first year with 2,272 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, and a 57.5 QBR.

While his aggressive, physical style of play helped extend drives and create explosive plays, it also exposed him to heavy contact and heightened injury risks. Moving forward, Dart’s primary area for growth will be learning to protect himself—avoiding unnecessary collisions and sliding in open field to preserve his body and prevent concussions.

Giants set to begin training camp

The 2026 New York Giants Training Camp will be hosted at the Sports Performance Center at the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Rookies are scheduled to report on July 23rd, followed by veterans on July 28th.

Fans will have limited opportunities to catch the action in person, as practices on July 30th, July 31st, August 1st, August 5th, August 6th, and August 7th will be open to public viewing. All other training camp practices will remain closed to the public.

Eluemunor seeks another breakout season in New York

The veteran offensive tackle had an outstanding season with the Giants, allowing just 4 sacks and 3 hits on his QB in his 16 starts. Eluemunor knows they have a great diamond in the rough in Dart and, while he will look to maintain and improve his own stats, he also knows that with this quarterback they can achieve great things.

“He’s done a great job of taking that next step into that leadership role as such a young guy,” Eluemunor said. “And, you know, he’s got the team around him. Now everyone believes in him.”

Jorge Jesus was appointed as Roberto Martinez’s replacement as the manager, and when asked about Ronaldo’s role with the national team, the new coach made it clear that CR7 will never be a problem for Portugal.

However, the Al-Nassr forward appears to have a clear vision for his future, opening the door for other players to succeed him in his position. Will this team change its tactics and formation? Will a new leader emerge? What will happen with the iconic No. 7 jersey?

Portugal’s potential lineup without Ronaldo

In their latest World Cup appearance, Portugal’s attack featured Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Neto, and Joao Felix, supported by other offensive players such as Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves. Looking ahead to a hypothetical 2030 scenario, with many of these players potentially still part of the squad, this could be a potential lineup for this team without Ronaldo in the starting XI.

Diogo Costa; Diogo Dalot or Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias or Goncalo Inacio, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Pedro Neto; Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix, Goncalo Ramos or Rafael Leao.

It is important to highlight that the squad Portugal took to the World Cup was a young one, with many players under the age of 30. Consequently, barring any unforeseen circumstances, it is highly likely that the vast majority of them could still be representing their country in 2030.

Portugal’s forwards called up for the 2026 World Cup

Roberto Martinez looked for a mix of experience and youth in Portugal’s attack. However, everything revolved around the figure of Cristiano Ronaldo, who did not have his best performance at the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

• Cristiano Ronaldo (C)
• Goncalo Ramos
• Joao Felix
• Francisco Trincao
• Rafael Leao
• Pedro Neto
• Goncalo Guedes
• Francisco Conceicao

Perhaps due to age and experience, there are several names that could take over the role in four years. Joao Felix, Pedro Neto, and Rafael Leao are likely among the players under greater consideration, although the natural candidate to replace CR7 could be Goncalo Ramos as Portugal’s new center forward.

Ronaldo’s greatest achievement with Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo reached the pinnacle of his international career when he led Portugal to a historic victory at Euro 2016, securing the country’s first-ever major trophy. Despite suffering an early injury in the final against France, his passionate leadership from the sidelines inspired his teammates to a dramatic 1-0 win in extra time. Recently, Ronaldo celebrated the anniversary of this achievement with fond memories of a moment that cemented his legendary status in world soccer.

What does the future hold for the number 7 jersey?

Although rumors circulated that the number 7 shirt would no longer be used by the Portugal national team, the truth is that there has been no official announcement regarding the matter. Therefore, everything points to it remaining in use, naturally by another player.

When and where will the 2030 World Cup be played?

The 2030 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to run from June to July 2030. The tournament’s primary co-hosts are Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, where the majority of matches will take place.

However, to mark the centenary of the inaugural 1930 World Cup, three special opening matches will be held in South America across Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay before the competition moves to Europe and North Africa.

Undoubtedly, these are merely speculations. The forward himself expressed his sadness over the final outcome through his official Instagram account, saying he would have liked to have been on the pitch to help his teammates.

“We tried. For the second consecutive World Cup, we reached a World Cup final, but this time it wasn’t meant to be. I feel so proud to be Argentinian,” Martinez started. “I would have liked to try to help the team on the pitch yesterday, but that’s how it goes.

“Thank you to everyone who supported us throughout this World Cup, traveling thousands and thousands of kilometers to be close to us, and to all the people who stood behind us from every corner of our country.”

Lautaro Martinez’s World Cup journey

Lautaro Martinez delivered an impactful campaign for Argentina throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup, proving crucial to his team’s offensive strength with extreme self-confidence. The forward tallied three goals in the tournament, finding the back of the net in key fixtures against Jordan, Switzerland, and England.

On top of his goalscoring exploits, El Toro provided one assist, bringing his total contribution to four direct goal engagements during the competition. Unfortunately, the outcome was not the one Argentina expected, and it could mark the end of an era, including the potential departure of manager Lionel Scaloni.

Scaloni’s strategy didn’t pay off

It is clear that Enzo Fernandez’s sending-off after receiving a second yellow card changed Lionel Scaloni’s plans. However, the Spanish team had already shown its superiority from the start of the match, and justified the final result with greater possession and a dominant performance throughout the game.

Could Lautaro Martinez’s introduction have changed the course of the match? It is difficult to know. Down to 10 men, relying on a traditional penalty-box striker wasn’t the approach preferred by Scaloni, who ultimately subbed off Julian Alvarez to make room for Marcos Senesi, another defender, when the game was still level.

Messi, with eight distinctions, is the player with the most Ballon d’Or awards in history, although he enters this year’s race from behind. He won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, lifted two Copa America titles with his national team, and also won the Champions League with Barcelona.

Which trophy has eluded CR7? The World Cup. Ronaldo has won the Champions League with Real Madrid, lifted the European Championship with Portugal in 2016, and claimed five Ballon d’Or awards. However, the biggest prize at the international level remained out of reach, as he was unable to win it across his six World Cup appearances.

Other players in this elite group are Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Müller from Germany, along with Zinedine Zidane of France. In addition, two Brazilian legends have achieved the same feat: Rivaldo and Ronaldinho.

Rodri’s trophy cabinet

Rodri has established himself as one of soccer’s ultimate winners, boasting an incredible track record at both club and international levels. On June 10, 2023, he scored the historic winning goal to secure the UEFA Champions League title for Manchester City.

Just over a year later, on July 14, 2024, he led Spain to European glory by winning the UEFA Euro and earning Player of the Tournament honors. His dominance was individually crowned on October 28, 2024, when he won the prestigious Ballon d’Or. Capping off this legendary run, he reached the absolute pinnacle of world soccer by becoming a FIFA World Cup champion with Spain, and also being awarded with the World Cup Golden Ball.

Ronaldo can no longer join them

This was Cristiano Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup, and his dream of winning the title came to an end after Portugal’s elimination at the hands of Spain. The forward made it clear that this was his final appearance at the tournament representing his country, meaning he will not be able to join the exclusive group of players who have won all four of these major honors.

“The pain is immense, and it will take time for this wound to heal. But I will also hold on to all the positive moments… The comebacks we achieved by giving everything we had, moments that will remain in our memories forever, and the support of an entire country that, together with the work and effort of this group, helped us return once again to the top of world football. Today, it is difficult to appreciate everything we accomplished, but this team reached two consecutive World Cup finals,” he wrote on his official Instagram account.

He also added: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and every message. Once again, we managed to come together as a country and stand united, sharing the immense pride of being Argentinians.” He then went on to congratulate his opponents. “I also want to congratulate Spain for winning the championship.”

The Argentine captain’s message quickly received thousands of likes, as well as comments from fans showing their support for what lies ahead. Will Messi be part of Argentina’s next cycle?

On the verge of securing his second World Cup title

Lionel Messi’s tears at the end of the match reflected his heartbreak after falling short of achieving his greatest dream. After a tournament in which the No. 10 was one of the team’s standout figures, Argentina were unable to finish their campaign by lifting back-to-back titles.

Despite breaking several records, the Argentine legend fell short of winning a second World Cup title. As a result, Messi was unable to close the gap on Pele in terms of World Cup trophies won, although he remains level with Diego Maradona.

One of the biggest questions now is whether Messi will retire from the Argentina national team. With plenty of time ahead to reflect on his future, it remains to be seen what decision the legendary forward will ultimately make regarding his career with the national side.

What competitions are next for Argentina?

Now it is time to rest, step away from the game, and recharge for what lies ahead. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Lionel Scaloni and several veteran leaders, Argentina can already begin looking ahead. What is next for the Albiceleste in the short term?

There has been growing speculation about a potential date for the Finalissima against Spain, a match that has been postponed for quite some time and could finally be played this November. In addition, before the end of 2026, there are two FIFA international windows during which Argentina are expected to play a series of friendly matches.

Argentina ultimately fell victim to one of the tournament’s most remarkable trends: no team that entered the World Cup as the No. 1 side in the FIFA World Ranking has ever gone on to lift the trophy. With Lionel Messi losing the final, La Albiceleste dropped to second place in the rankings.

France were another team that remained among the top nations in the standings throughout the tournament. However, after their defeat to England, Les Bleus finished the competition in third place.

FIFA Ranking Top 10 after the World Cup: Final standings

The 2026 World Cup has come to an end, and with it, the FIFA Ranking has been updated until official competition resumes. Spain sit at the top, Argentina remain in second place, Portugal drop two spots, and Mexico close out the Top 10 after climbing four positions.

Despite being eliminated by Norway, Brazil‘s national team, led by Carlo Ancelotti, managed to climb one spot in the FIFA Ranking, the same situation as Morocco. Meanwhile, just like Argentina and Portugal, which dropped positions, the Netherlands also suffered a slight decline compared to where they stood at the start of the tournament.

Spain outclassed Argentina

Spain were better than Argentina, a fact even acknowledged by Lionel Scaloni himself. La Roja defeated their opponents 1-0 thanks to a dramatic extra-time goal from Ferran Torres, securing another major trophy and adding a new chapter to their history.

What comes next after the World Cup?

Following the conclusion of the World Cup, the official FIFA international calendar will resume in late 2026 with two distinct windows for national teams. The competitive action gets back underway with an extended September/October fixture block running from September 21 to October 6, 2026, giving teams an intensive two-week period to restart their official campaigns.

Shortly after, a second window scheduled from November 9 to November 17, 2026, will be dedicated to friendly matches as well as qualifying fixtures, offering managers a crucial opportunity to fine-tune squad dynamics and test new talent before the end of the year.

“Sadness,” Scaloni said about his feelings right after the game. “But knowing that we gave everything, I have a lot to say about how we got here, but it’s not worth it. Eternal gratitude to these guys who competed until the end. Spain was better, that’s true, but I will keep a great memory. This hurts a lot. We have to be great in defeat as well. We showed that we know how to lose, but that doesn’t mean we are going to forget everything we did to get here.

“I am grateful to the players and I want to tell the country that we gave everything. We arrived here at an unfair moment, it’s true. You lose, and you have to get back up; there is no other option. I remember the runners-up because it is incredibly difficult to reach this stage, and we have to give it enormous value. Obviously, it hurts us. Gratitude and sadness, of course. But when you play like this and give everything, it’s difficult to criticize anything.”

Spain showed no mercy against Argentina throughout regulation time, especially after Enzo Fernandez’s sending-off. In this way, La Roja secured another World Cup title. This now leaves Scaloni’s future up in the air, as the Argentine coach burst into tears during his postgame press conference.

The dream that fell short

The image of Lionel Messi in tears perfectly reflects the hopes and dreams this team carried. Argentina had delivered a strong World Cup campaign, but in the final match, nothing went as planned.

Spain was the better team. and Luis de la Fuente believes his side should have scored earlier. That was evident on the field, as Argentina failed to register a single shot on target throughout the 90 minutes of the match.

Rodri was awarded the World Cup Golden Ball, even ahead of Messi, who also had an excellent tournament. It remains to be seen what decision the No. 10 will make regarding the future of his career.

It was not the afternoon the Argentine No. 10 had hoped for. The 1-0 extra-time defeat led to tensions after the final whistle, with the situation escalating into a brief brawl involving several players.

Despite breaking several records during this World Cup, Messi undoubtedly wanted to cap it off with another title. As a result, he remains behind Pele and level with Maradona in terms of World Cup titles won.

Ferran Torres was the hero of the day, scoring the goal that delivered the trophy to his national team. Spain, which was already part of World Cup history’s list of champions, added another star to their crest.

Spain make history

The match at New York New Jersey Stadium was virtually one-sided. Spain dominated Argentina throughout the 90 minutes of regulation, even preventing La Albiceleste from creating any clear scoring opportunities.

Conceding just one goal throughout the tournament makes it clear that La Roja were deserving winners of the title. Lamine Yamal, who perhaps did not have his best performance, still broke records with his appearance.

In fact, the young talent remains in contention for the Ballon d’Or, an award that also has Lionel Messi among its candidates.

O Rei, considered by many as one of the greatest players of all time, is the only player in history to win three World Cups, achieving the feat with Brazil. Maradona, meanwhile, finished his career with Argentina having won a single World Cup title.

Messi has played in three finals across six World Cup tournaments, and he was only able to lift the trophy once, in Qatar 2022. As a result, he missed the chance to move closer to Pele, and it remains to be seen whether there is any possibility that the No. 10 will play in 2030, something that currently appears unlikely.

Pele’s World Cup titles

Pele is the only player in soccer history to win three FIFA World Cups, lifting the trophy in Sweden 1958, Chile 1962, and Mexico 1970. Throughout his legendary tournament career, he scored a total of 12 goals in 14 matches, including a brilliant brace in the 1958 final at just 17 years old and the opening goal in the 1970 final.

Maradona’s lone World Cup triumph

Diego Maradona cemented his status as a soccer legend by leading Argentina to glory at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, a tournament defined by his iconic performance against England where he scored both the controversial “Hand of God” and the spectacular “Goal of the Century.”

Four years later, Maradona captained the national team to another final at Italia 1990, where Argentina ultimately finished as runners-up after a narrow and dramatic 1-0 defeat against West Germany.

Another World Cup runner-up finish for Messi

Lionel Messi‘s World Cup final legacy is defined by both heartbreak and ultimate glory. After a painful 1-0 extra-time defeat against Germany at Brazil 2014, Messi finally achieved his lifelong dream at Qatar 2022, leading Argentina to the title in one of the greatest finals ever played.

Four years later, he reached the grand stage once again, finishing as a runner-up at the 2026 World Cup to complete an extraordinary career chapters in the tournament’s history.

According to an announcement made through FIFA’s official website, the prize money distributed in this edition increased by 50% compared to the amounts awarded in Qatar 2022. As a result, the team that lifts the trophy will receive a total payout of $50 million.

What happens to the team that finishes second? In that case, whichever of the two teams fails to win the title will still take home a total of $33 million. England, who secured third place after defeating France 6-4, took home a total of $29 million.

How much did Argentina earn at the Qatar World Cup?

Following their historic triumph at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, Argentina secured a staggering $42 million in prize money, while the runners-up, France, took home a substantial $30 million. This grand total highlights not only the pinnacle of international soccer success but also the massive financial rewards that accompany the sport’s ultimate glory.

The 2030 World Cup in sight

The 2030 FIFA World Cup is set to make history by taking place across three continents, with Spain, Portugal, and Morocco serving as the primary host nations. To celebrate the centenary of the tournament, special opening matches will also be played in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.

While the multi-continental venues are officially locked in, FIFA has yet to finalize and announce the official breakdown of the prize money pool that will be distributed among the competing national teams.

The Premier League and La Liga lead the way with the most players represented, with seven each. A little further behind, the league with the highest number of Argentine players from this squad is France’s Ligue 1.

Lionel Messi, who will naturally feature in this match, is the biggest star of this squad, and along with Rodrigo De Paul, he is one of only two players competing in MLS. The Brazilian league, the Bundesliga, and Serie A are also destinations where players managed by Lionel Scaloni currently compete.

Argentina’s wall

Argentina’s place among the World Cup champions is, in part, thanks to what Emiliano Martinez achieved alongside his teammates in Qatar 2022. The Aston Villa goalkeeper, one of the key leaders of this team, remains the trusted figure between the posts.

• Emiliano Martinez, Aston Villa (England)
• Geronimo Rulli, Olympique Marseille (France)
• Juan Musso, Atletico Madrid (Spain)

A stout defense

Several names from this squad remain from the team that competed in Qatar. With Cristian Romero as the main defensive leader, Argentina’s back line is a blend of talent, personality, and physicality — qualities that Spain is well aware of heading into the final.

• Nahuel Molina, Atletico Madrid (Spain)
• Gonzalo Montiel, River Plate (Argentina)
• Nicolas Tagliafico, Olympique Lyon (France)
• Facundo Medina, Olympique Marseille (France)
• Cristian Romero, Tottenham Hotspur (England)
• Nicolas Otamendi, River Plate (Argentina)
• Lisandro Martinez, Manchester United (England)
• Marcos Senesi, Tottenham Hotspur (England)

It is worth noting that Otamendi, one of the most experienced players in this squad, recently returned to the Argentine league after his transfer from Benfica. Meanwhile, Romero’s future remains uncertain, meaning he could move to another club after the World Cup.

A midfield full of talent

Argentina have won the World Cup three times, with their most recent triumph coming in Qatar. There, the midfield proved to be one of the key factors behind their success, and it is the same unit that the manager has tried to maintain throughout this 2026 tournament.

• Leandro Paredes, Boca Juniors (Argentina)
• Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea (England)
• Alexis Mac Allister, Liverpool (England)
• Rodrigo De Paul, Inter Miami (USA)
• Giovanni Lo Celso, Betis (Spain)
• Valentin Barco, Chelsea (Spain)
• Exequiel Palacios, Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)
• Nicolas Gonzalez, Atletico Madrid (Spain)
• Thiago Almada, Atletico Madrid (Spain)
• Nicolas Paz, Como (Italy)
• Giuliano Simeone, Atletico Madrid (Spain)

With Messi as the main leader

Lionel Messi will play his third final for Argentina and, as expected, he is one of the main figures of this team at the 2026 World Cup. The No. 10, now playing in MLS for some time, continues to add to his legendary career.

• Lionel Messi, Inter Miami (USA)
• Lautaro Martinez, Inter Milan (Italy)
• Julian Alvarez, Atletico Madrid (Spain)
• Jose Manuel Lopez, Palmeiras (Brazil)

Playing with their home uniform against Spain’s red jersey, La Albiceleste want to secure back-to-back titles, a feat achieved by only a few teams in history. It will not be an easy task, as they will be facing one of the best teams in the world right now.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy is the ultimate dream for Messi and his teammates. Pleasant weather conditions are expected for the World Cup final in New York, where Argentina aim to once again reach the pinnacle of world soccer.

What happens if Argentina defeat Spain today?

If Argentina manage to defeat Spain at the New York New Jersey Stadium, they will secure their fourth World Cup title in history and their second consecutive championship. By defending its Qatar 2022 crown, Lionel Scaloni‘s side would become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to repeat as world champion.

Argentina’s other two titles came several years earlier. The first one was won in 1978, playing on home soil in Argentina, while the second came in 1986, led by Diego Maradona, when they lifted the trophy in Mexico.

An Argentina win means Spain will finish as runners-up, which would be La Roja’s second best result in World Cup history. The 2010 victory in South Africa would remain Spain’s lone world championship, and a defeat to Argentina today would see Spain finish with a silver medal for the first time.

What happens if Argentina and Spain tie today?

If Argentina and Spain are unable to break the deadlock after 90 minutes of regular time, the match will go into extra time, which is 30 minutes long and consists of two 15-minute periods.

Since the golden goal rule has not been in use for several years, the lead must be maintained throughout this period to secure victory. If the score remains level after 120′, the match will ultimately be decided by a penalty shootout.

What happens if Argentina lose to Spain today?

If Argentina lose, Messi and company will finish as runners-up while Lamine Yamal and Spain will be crowned champions, adding a second World Cup star to Spain’s history.

La Roja’s first and so far only World Cup title came in 2010 in South Africa, when they defeated the Netherlands 1-0 thanks to Andres Iniesta’s dramatic goal in overtime. Spain, one of the teams to have conceded the fewest goals in this tournament, would deservedly lift the trophy in 2026.

This scenario would mark Argentina’s fourth defeat in a World Cup Final out of the seven they have contested. Their previous losses came in 1930 against Uruguay, and in 1990 and 2014 against Germany. Messi, meanwhile, was one of the main figures in that match at the Maracana against Germany, which was decided in extra time with a 1-0 scoreline. Eight years later, he earned his redemption in Qatar, where he helped secure his country’s third World Cup title.

Slavko Vinčić of Slovenia will be the man in charge of officiating a match that is expected to draw a massive crowd. Both managers are leaving nothing to chance, with several tactical changes ahead of this highly anticipated final.

With the atmosphere befitting a World Cup Final, anticipation continues to build as kickoff draws near. Lamine Yamal on one side, Lionel Messi on the other. Who will ultimately be crowned champion?

The predicted lineup for La Roja

Spain will be aiming to win the World Cup for just the second time in their history, but to do so, they must overcome none other than the reigning champions. Luis de la Fuente will stick with the core group of players he has relied on throughout the tournament, naming a starting XI very similar to the one used in most of Spain’s matches.

Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri (C), Fabian Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal.

Argentina’s predicted lineup

Argentina are coming off another dramatic comeback victory, this time against England in the semifinals, securing a historic place in the World Cup Final. With the official lineup already confirmed, Lionel Scaloni will make a few adjustments to his tactical setup as Argentina look to defend their world title.

Emiliano Martinez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Nicolas Gonzalez, Enzo Fernandez; Lionel Messi (C), Julian Alvarez.

Yamal and Messi, face to face

Lamine Yamal vs. Lionel Messi, one of the biggest individual battles of this epic clash in New York. The Argentine No. 10 wants to continue his pursuit of the Golden Boot, currently sitting two goals behind Kylian Mbappe, while Yamal aims to become the new leader of La Roja as this team looks toward the future.

Different leagues are home to the players in this squad, which are divided between the Spanish, French, and English leagues. These are the players who currently compete in the Premier League.

• David Raya, Arsenal
• Pedro Porro, Tottenham
• Rodri, Manchester City
• Martin Zubimendi, Arsenal
• Mikel Merino, Arsenal
• Victor Muñoz, Liverpool

It is worth highlighting Marc Cucurella’s situation. Before the start of this tournament, the left-back was transferred to Real Madrid after several years wearing Chelsea’s colors.

La Liga provides the majority of Spain’s World Cup squad

It is well known what La Liga represents in the world of soccer, with the competition being a destination for many players looking to develop their careers. Luis de la Fuente’s team has built the majority of its squad from this league, with the exception of the previously mentioned Premier League players, as well as Fabian Ruiz, who plays for PSG.

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are the clubs providing the largest number of players. In addition, teams such as Athletic Club, Celta de Vigo, and Real Sociedad have also contributed players to this 2026 World Cup squad.

For a second star

Spain will face Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final this Sunday, July 19, at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The highly anticipated match kicks off at 3PM ET. After lifting their historic first trophy in South Africa 2010, La Roja are now chasing their second World Cup star in this epic clash.